Credit: Soulganic: (l-r) Ryan McKeithan, Anthony Rodriguez, Cory McClure | Photo by Brian Twitty
Soulganic has enthralled audiences all throughout Charlotte, North Carolina, since establishing as an independent Funky Indie Soul trio in 2005. They are a well-known band in the independent music scene, noted for their unique sound and exciting live shows. Their unique fusion of jazz, funk, and soul has also helped them to become recognized. Through skillfully fusing many genres and honoring historical musical traditions, the group has established a reputation for themselves over the years. What gives their music such vibrancy is their emphasis on creating a pure sound, combined with a sophisticated tapestry of tactile instrumentation and unquantized rhythms.
Their musical journey has been a celebration of the unifying force of music, uniting listeners with groove-driven compositions that are as dynamic and varied as they are diverse. Soulganic embraces a diverse range of sounds and is constantly looking to innovate while adhering to its soulful core. They draw inspiration from musicians like Kamasi Washington, Lianne La Havas, Alfa Mist, and Cleo Sol. Their ability to effortlessly merge genres to create both familiar and innovative listening experiences is evident in every tune they release.
Soulganic’s first single from their highly anticipated upcoming album Phosphene, “Family Ties,” was released on September 6th, 2024. This instrumental masterpiece explores the ability of music to unite people across space, time, and culture rather than merely being a song. “Family Ties” is a magnificent blend of soul, jazz, funk, and afrobeat, featuring the trumpet brilliance of Stan Odell Graham, a mainstay in jazz and funk circles because to his work with The Foreign Exchange and Little Brother. The result is a vibrant, genre-defying track that feels both fresh and familiar, pulling listeners into its groove-centric rhythm while hinting at the grand musical vision Soulganic has for their forthcoming album.
“Family Ties,” Soulganic’s most recent song, is an instrumental masterpiece that defies classification, combining jazz, afrobeat, funk, and soul elements to create a deeply complex and engrossing whole. The song takes listeners on an intriguing and revitalizing musical trip, featuring the great jazz trumpeter Stan Odell Graham. As soon as the song begins, “Family Ties” makes an impact on the listener by introducing them to a world of sound where each instrument is essential to the flawless fusion of melodic mastery and rhythmic groove.
The song opens with a clash of bass and drum notes that immediately grabs your attention, creating a stage for the intricate musical voyage ahead. The opening drumbeat is catchy and vibrant, with a unique midtempo groove that sets the tone for the rest of the track. The steady rhythm, coupled with funky basslines, lays a solid foundation that pulses with energy throughout. The basslines are the heartbeat of the track, bringing that signature funky vibe that Soulganic is known for, while the drums drive the infectious groove, building an irresistible momentum that’s impossible to ignore. Every beat feels intentional, as if leading you deeper into the layers of sound that await.
At the 1:32 mark, the song takes its first transformation, and by the 1:35 timestamp, we’re introduced to a celestial trumpet melody played by Stan Odell Graham. This moment feels like a revelation, as the velvety tones of the trumpet merge with the existing rhythm, adding a layer of richness that elevates the entire track. The trumpet introduces the essence of jazz and soul, giving “Family Ties” a dynamic edge that keeps you hooked. The trumpet adds a subtle yet effective touch to the overall composition, preventing the funk, jazz, and soul from becoming overpowering.
The deft merging of multiple genres in “Family Ties” makes it stand out. Afrobeat beats that are contagious, funk’s lively groove, and jazz’s improvisational flair are all blended together in this tune. This cross-genre technique seems to be a celebration of music’s capacity to break genre barriers and create something entirely unique and stimulating. It is quite captivating how the bass, trumpet, drums, and percussions interact with one another. Even though the music is complicated, it feels coherent and well-balanced since each instrument has its opportunity to shine without overpowering the others.
As the song progresses, it keeps evolving, introducing subtle shifts in sound that keep the listener engaged. At the 2:37 timestamp, the track undergoes a more delicate transition, softening the intensity momentarily before diving into a new sonic landscape at 2:47, where another barrage of intricate sound layers is unveiled. This shift feels organic, as if the track is leading you to its grand conclusion, offering a new revelation of sound just when you think the journey is over. The ebb and flow of the song’s dynamics reflect a careful attention to detail, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment.
The essence of “Family Ties” lies in its ability to communicate without words. This instrumental piece uses melodies, grooves, and rhythms to tell a tale and arouse powerful emotions in the listener. The entire group creates a dynamic yet contemplative soundtrack, giving the impression of an instrumental chat in which each instrument adds its own voice to the conversation. This piece has a timeless quality to it; it pushes boundaries and ventures into new musical realms while being grounded in musical traditions.
It’s evident that “Family Ties” is an experience rather than just a song by the time it reaches its closing chords. Soulganic has composed a song that captures the essence of their musical journey with the assistance of Stan Odell Graham. It’s evidence of their versatility, deft beatmaking, and ability to give listeners something genuinely new but recognizable. This song transcends genres, making it suitable for a broad listen and a must-listen for everybody who values the craft of music composition. Both fans and novices are in for a treat if this is an indication of what to expect from their next album “Phosphene.”
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